Parks & Trails Master Plan: Implementation

The District of Sooke is pleased to announce that progress continues on the much-anticipated Little River Crossing Project. At the September 23rd Council meeting, Sooke Council authorized the issuance of the Development Permit for the construction of a multi-use trail and bridge that will greatly enhance connectivity within the community. The new trail and bridge will connect Sunriver Way by Poirier Elementary School, facilitating pedestrian travel between Sooke’s Town Core and the Sunriver Neighbourhood.

“This project marks an exciting step forward in the development of Sooke's trail system,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “It reflects our commitment to creating a walkable, connected community while protecting and enhancing our natural environment, and providing alternative means to get around Sooke to lessen reliance on Highway 14.”

The Little River Crossing will not only provide a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists but also encourage outdoor activity and ease transportation challenges by offering a sustainable, active transportation option. The multi-use trail and bridge design is part of the District’s broader vision for enhancing local infrastructure and supporting community health, safety, and mobility. It will transform an approximately 8-kilometre round trip on Highway 14, often travelled by vehicle, to an approximate 1.2-kilometre walk or wheel route.

Key Tentative Project Milestones:

• August 2024: Receive Agricultural Land Commission (ALR) decision - COMPLETE
• September 2024 – Obtain approvals and finalize design.
• Fall 2024 – Invitation to Tender posted
• December 2024 – Award construction contract
• January 2025 to February 2025 – Site preparation (in advance of bird nesting season March to June).
• Spring 2025 – Trail and boardwalk construction begins
• August 1 to September 15, 2025 – Bridge and instream works conducted around fisheries window.
• Fall 2025 – Substantial completion.

Further updates on the project timeline will be shared as the project advances.

To learn more about the project’s history, please visit:

• Little River (Demamiel Creek) Pedestrian Crossing (sooke.ca)

Today, the District of Sooke is launching an updated Parks Finder Map to simplify exploring Sooke’s 72 parks! This digital map offers easy navigation, letting residents easily find amenities and more. For those seeking green spaces for leisure, walking trails, or picnics, the enhanced map is a user-friendly tool to discover Sooke’s natural beauty.

Key features include:

• Detailed Park Listings: Get info on park locations and amenities.
• Advanced Search: Filter parks by amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas to suit your needs.
• Mobile Compatibility: Access the map on your phone for convenient outdoor planning.

Manager of Parks and Environmental Services, Emma Taylor spoke about the launch of the enhanced Parks Finder Map, stating, “Our parks serve as essential spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connecting with nature. With the introduction of this upgraded tool, we aim to make it easier than ever for residents to discover and enjoy the diverse range of parks available in Sooke.”

The District of Sooke invites residents to explore the enhanced Parks Finder Map and discover the numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration and enjoyment within the community. To access the Parks Finder Map, visit: Sooke Parks Finder (arcgis.com).

We are excited to provide you with an update on the progress of the Little River Crossing and Multi-Use Trail project, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting active transportation within Sooke.

Background:

As outlined in the 2020 Parks and Trails Master Plan (PTMP), the pedestrian crossing of DeMamiel Creek connecting the Town Centre and local schools to the Sunriver and Phillips Road neighbourhoods has been identified as a high priority by the Council (p24). This project aligns with the PTMP's vision and is an integral part of the "Sun Run" wayfinding route, contributing to our commitment to fostering a more accessible and sustainable community.

Phase 1 of the project, completed in July 2020, marked a significant milestone with the construction of 250 meters of trail connection, expansion of existing sidewalks, and the installation of a decorative crosswalk through School District 62 property at Journey Middle School and Ecole Poirier.

Current Progress:

We are making steady progress with Phase 2 of the project, which entails the construction of a trail, boardwalk, and bridge crossing over DeMamiel Creek, also known as Little River by T'Sou-ke Nation. Once completed, this phase will address a key active transportation gap between Sooke's Town Centre and Sunriver neighbourhood amenities for the community (including Ravens Ridge Park), significantly reducing travel distances and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Detailed design, land use, and environmental approvals are well underway, with construction anticipated to commence in fall 2024.

Securing $2.9 million in project funding for 2024 and 2025 has been a crucial step forward, with contributions from a federal grant ($1.3 million), provincial grant ($500,000), and various local funds (Parks Development Cost Charges, $350,000; Casino Reserve Fund, $300,000), Community Building Fund, $149,000), demonstrating our commitment to realizing this vital community project.

The District has retained ISL Engineering Ltd. to oversee the development of detailed design drawings and project management for Phase 2. Extensive topographical surveying, geotechnical reviews, and design preparations have been conducted to date, ensuring the project's integrity and alignment with environmental regulations. DRAFT detail drawings can be seen here.

Project Partners:

We are actively engaging with School District 62 to ensure project alignment and minimize any impacts on school property, while also maximizing the eventual use of our expanded trail system.

Further, T’Sou-ke Nation and Sci’anew First Nation are invited to work with the District through construction to protect cultural heritage features of the site and to develop interpretive signage.

Anticipated Timelines, as available today:

Land use and environmental approvals are in process and are expected to be secured by summer 2024.

It is anticipated that construction will commence in fall with substantial construction underway between October 2024 and September 2025.

Project constraints include working within environmentally sensitive timeframes for fish and bird nesting as well as confirming budget aligns with construction costs.

We will keep the community informed as this important project moves forward and significant milestones are known.

The District is sharing this announcement from the Province of British Columbia:

B.C. builds cleaner communities with active transportation

People will have more opportunities to enjoy multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges and safety improvements as local, regional and Indigenous governments expand their active transportation infrastructure.

For this intake period, $24 million from the Province will support 80 active transportation infrastructure projects in communities around British Columbia. These grants will help local governments plan and build improved connections to work, school and recreational centres, and create infrastructure in communities to support active modes of transportation.

“People are choosing to walk, run and cycle more each year. Our support means communities can think bigger when tackling transportation challenges and providing more options for people to get around,” said Dan Coulter, B.C. Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit, at an event for two projects in the Vancouver Island community of Sooke.

In Sooke, new projects to build safe, inclusive active transportation connections will give people of all ages healthier and more convenient ways to explore their community. The completion of the Little River Multi-Use Trail will establish a vital link between the Sun River Neighbourhood and Ravens Ridge Park, connecting with Sooke’s town core.

Along Charters Road, safety improvements are being built for cyclists and pedestrians. This project will include extended sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian crossing infrastructure and a boulevard enhancement.

“I am thrilled and grateful to see the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program bolstering our community's efforts toward a more sustainable and accessible future,” said Maja Tait, mayor of Sooke. “With projects like the Little River Multi-Use Trail and enhancements along Charters Road, we’re improving safety and also fostering a healthier, more connected and resilient community.”

The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program funds Indigenous, local and regional governments with cost-sharing investments of as much as $500,000 for infrastructure projects, and as much as $50,000 to develop active transportation network plans.

“People in Sooke and across our province are witnessing real, tangible enhancements in their neighbourhoods,” said Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “Promoting active transportation isn't just about roads and paths, it's about fostering safer, healthier and more convenient lifestyles for all. By investing in bike lanes, sidewalks, safe routes to schools and trail networks now, we're laying the foundation for a safer, more interconnected future that benefits everyone.”

The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program supports the Province’s CleanBC commitment to increase shares of trips by walking, cycling and transit.

Learn More:

B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/active-transportation-infrastructure-grants

Full announcement, including backgrounder:

B.C. builds cleaner communities with active transportation | BC Gov News

The District is thrilled to share this news from the Government of Canada on the District's successful Infrastructure Canada Grant Application and the resulting $1.3 million in funding towards the Little River Crossing multi-use pedestrian trails project.

Quotes

“Canada is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural history. We’re proud to support projects that honour that while better connecting our communities. Improving the trail network surrounding DeMamiel Creek will help Sooke residents and visitors alike get around safely and enjoy all that the area has to offer. We will continue to invest in active transportation infrastructure improvements across the country that make life better for Canadians.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“This project will facilitate instrumental connectivity in our community. It will offer safe and efficient travel over Little River (Demamiel Creek) drastically improving residents’ ability to reach desired destinations including schools, local businesses and recreation amenities. I extend my appreciation to the federal government for this significant investment that is certain to have a profound impact on how citizens get around town – alleviating the need for vehicle travel in a core area of Sooke.”

Her Worship, Maja Tait, Mayor of the District of Sooke

Quick facts

• The federal government is investing $1,307,610 in this project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), and the District of Sooke is contributing $871,740.
• Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity, and includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.
• The federal government is investing billions of dollars to provide predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit solutions beginning in 2026-27. This investment includes $400 million through the Active Transportation Fund over five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable.
• The National Active Transportation Strategy is the country's first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks and to create safe environments for more equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options to thrive.
• The Active Transportation Fund complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan, the federal government has committed to providing permanent federal to encourage cleaner modes of transportation, such as low and zero-emission vehicles, transit and active transportation in every community.
• Active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, such as creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, providing affordable transportation options, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in safer active transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can access jobs and services and connect with their communities.

At the November 27, 2023 Council meeting, Council supported staff's recommendation to submit two grant applications for critical active transportation corridors including Little River Multi-Use Trails (Demamiel Creek Bridge) Crossing and Charters Corridor South.

The applications are considered for "shovel-ready" projects with an award anticipated in Spring 2024. If successful, the District could receive up to $1 million towards both of these initiatives which will improve pedestrian connectivity in Sooke.

The District of Sooke has applied for grant funding for this project from the Government of Canada's Active Transportation Fund. If successful, this funding will support up to 60 percent of the total eligible costs to a maximum federal contribution of $1,307,610. The balance has been allocated in the 2023-24 financial plan in the amount of $1,022,390 for a total project cost of $2,330,000.

On March 17, 2023, at 3:00 pm the District of Sooke closed the Engineering Services and Project Management RFP for Little River Pedestrian Crossing. This request for proposals (RFP) was issued to evaluate prospective firms with demonstrated capacity to assemble a team of professionals to complete the final design of the multi-use trail, boardwalks, and pedestrian bridge, prepare tender documents and project manage the construction of the project.

ISL Engineering Ltd. was the successful Little River Crossing RFP proponent and will work to bring the project to final design in hopes of a favourable grant outcome. Alternatively, further funding arrangements will be explored to allow for a timely realization of this high-priority community project.

The District of Sooke received a grant for $358,000 to revitalize the Sooke Potholes (Lot 1 - Sooke Potholes Gateway) by widening two staircases that access the beaches from the parking lot, constructing two accessible pit toilets, adding wayfinding and visitor information, and refurbishing the parking lot which will provide accessible stalls and additional capacity for parking and social distancing. In June, the District awarded the engineering services contract to McElhanney to provide construction-ready design, project management and construction services for the project.

Staff are currently reviewing the final design drawings in preparation for tendering later this month.

Current timelines will work towards project completion by the May-long weekend. However, supply chain issues could impact this schedule.

We are planning for the future of Long Spit (Whiffin Spit) Park in the face of climate change, sea level rise and increases in park use.

In September, the District awarded a contract to KWL to analyze existing data available for predicted sea level rise and shoreline-specific conditions to provide short-term and long-term options to retain the environmental, recreational, and cultural values of Long Spit (the Spit). Through this project, we will also analyze the park and adjacent streets to determine if there is an opportunity to improve parking.

The consultants will provide near-term and long-term solutions for the Spit. In the near-term, they will analyze the existing data and provide a report on pros and cons of establishing the natural channel and providing options to retain pedestrian/vehicular access to the end of the Spit. Green shores design principles will be used where practical. On the long-term, the consultants will provide a report on the impacts of sea level rise and increase resiliency to storm action using green shores design principles

The consultants will also provide an analysis of the road rights of way within 500 m of the park to create 24 off-site parking spots thus increasing available parking by 50%. Conceptual design drawings with class D estimates for offsite parking may include reconfiguring the existing parking lot. Specific timelines for this phase of the project are not currently available.

We will continue to keep you informed on this project as new information becomes available.

The District posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) pertaining to Long Spit (Whiffin Spit) Master Plan development in June 2022 with a closing date of July 6, 2022. The purpose of the RFP is to engage a suitably qualified Professional Engineer to analyze existing data available for predicted sea level rise and shoreline-specific conditions to provide short-term and long-term options to retain the environmental, recreational, and cultural values of Long Spit (the Spit).

At this time, the District envisions an elevated walkway for a portion of the Spit which is most susceptible to erosion, green shores design elements to mitigate storm surges and winter wave action which affect on both the Spit’s structure and the inner harbour, and a plan to increase parking.